EWU Tropical Biology in the Caribbean Study Abroad Application

Apply today!

Application review begins September 25, 2026, but applications will continue to be accepted until the program is full. Please contact Dr. Jeni Walke (jwalke@ewu.edu) and Dr. Paul Spruell (pspruell@ewu.edu) with any questions or concerns regarding your application.

Your Name (as it appears on passport)(Required)

First Last

Preferred Name

School Email Address (@ewu.edu)(Required)

Email Address Confirm Email Address

Age on January 2, 2027 (must be at least 18 years old)(Required)

Birth date (as it appears on passport)(Required)

Major(Required)

Academic standing (e.g. post-bacc, senior, junior)(Required)

GPA(Required)

Do you currently have a valid passport with an expiration date after July 19, 2027, or could you renew/apply for one by July 1, 2026?(Required)

Yes, I have a valid U.S. passport with an expiration date after July 19, 2027

No, I don’t currently have a passport, but can apply for one by July 1, 2026

No, I don’t have a passport and I have concerns about obtaining one

I am an international student

Other

Travel to Montserrat requires a valid passport, and travel to Antigua (through which we will be traveling) requires a valid passport that does not expire until at least 180 days (6 months) following your departure date. The U.S. State Dept. is currently estimating up to 8 weeks processing time, but you need to have your passport in hand by the fall deposit deadline which is why you should apply by July 1. NOTE: EWU has a Passport Scholarship! You must apply for your passports and submit your receipts. The scholarship doesn’t cover passport photos or expediting fees. There is no deadline for the application; we accept them on a rolling basis throughout the year and process them in batches at the very least once a quarter. Apply here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOPjADs2V-1xpz2DNs242dWgTVbryKqJNNm4CNqvK3QGA19Q/viewform

Why do you want to take part in this program? What do you hope to get out of the experience?(Required)

What classes do you intend to take in winter quarter? How does this study abroad program fit into your overall program of study and degree plan?(Required)

What are your career goals, and how does this program fit into these goals?(Required)

The schedule and activities of this program depend on weather and other factors outside of our control. With the necessity of flexibility and adaptability in mind, please give an example (or two) of a time where you had to adjust to an unexpected change in your schedule or plan.(Required)

Please describe any previous research experience, whether associated with a course or independent.(Required)

This program is a primarily field-based experience and involves spending a significant amount of time outdoors. Please describe your self-confidence in navigating difficult terrain in hot, wet conditions, and provide an example (or two) of your outdoor activities and/or field work experience.(Required)

References

Please provide names, contact information, and the nature of your relationship for two professional references, one of which needs to be an EWU professor. References should be able to speak to your strengths as a student and suitability for this program. Please request permission from your references prior to listing them, and notify your references that they may be contacted by the program leaders.

Reference #1 (EWU Instructor)

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Nature of relationship(Required)

How do you know this person? What course(s) did you have with them? How long have you known this person?

Reference #2

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Nature of relationship(Required)

Thank you for applying!

Application Fee and Program Deposit: Students accepted into the Tropical Biology in Montserrat program will be required to submit the Eastern Washington University study abroad application fee ($50) and a program deposit to secure their place in the program. Additional information regarding the deposit, payment deadlines, and course registration (BIOL 496 in fall and winter) will be provided after acceptance into the program.